Management: Boosting Morale

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More than likely, your employees are feeling the effects of the economic downturn. Clients are booking fewer appointments or allowing more time to lapse between services. Tips may also be less generous.

In light of these tougher times, how can you motivate employees more? It depends largely on your attitude and management skills. “Treat them like the professionals they are,” says Kim Matheson-Shedrick, president of the New York-based Natural Resources Spa Management (nrispa.com).

Matheson-Shedrick suggests the following ways to show employees you value and respect them:

• Offer friends and family a discount.
  If a specific product or retail line isn’t meeting anticipated sales goals, one way to move it off the shelf is to offer your staff a friends and family discount. This incentive lets employees know that you appreciate them by making products more affordable for the people they care about.

• Pat my back.
  During slower times, receptionists and other customer service providers should try the spa’s signature treatments. “Get receptionists on the table to understand how the treatment works and how to sell it,” Matheson-Shedrick says. “Then they can be convincing, sincere and genuine when they advise clients about treatments.”

• No idle hands.
  Slower business usually brings a hidden gift: extra time. Use it wisely and expand community outreach. Asking your staff to participate in local events and charities can be morale boosters, and an ideal way to expand your spa’s presence in the community.

• Need a ride?
  To help offset the increasing price of fuel, reward employees with gas cards as bonuses or incentives. In some cases, subsidizing employees’ transportation expenses can be used as a tax deduction, Matheson-Shedrick says. Consult with a tax professional to find out if your spa qualifies.

• Implement a full-disclosure policy.
  If your business is truly suffering from the economic slowdown, revealing what’s happening with profit and loss statements can be powerful, Matheson-Shedrick says. It shows employees that you trust and respect them. It also gives them the opportunity to generate ideas to improve sales or reduce expenses.

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